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General

Top 4 Free Version Control Systems

Revision control, or Version Control, is the management of changes to files, computer programs, and other projects. Each revision is associated with a timestamp and the person making the change. Revisions can be compared, restored, and with some types of files, merged. Version Control software provides a database that is used to keep track of the revisions made to files by all developers involved in the project.

This post reviews the top open source Version Control Systems and the tools that make them easy to set them up and use them.

Why You Need Version Control

Basically, Version control is tracking the history of your files. It is an excellent way to solve the problem of sharing files between developers. Here are few reasons for the importance of version control systems:

  1. Undo: Meaning you can restore files to previous versions.
  2. Synchronization: Meaning that everyone in your project stay up to date with the latest version.
  3. Tracking: It keeps track of all changes made to a file: what has been changed and who made the changes.
  4. Branching and Merging: If you create experimental changes, you can branch the project so it will not affect the main version. And when you are done, you can merge back your changes with the main project.

Types of Version Control

There are two types of Version Control Systems: Centralized or Distributed Systems.

  1. In Centralized systems, there is a central server, where you check in/out from there. Traditional revision control systems, like Subversion, use a centralized model where all the revision control functions take place on a shared server. If two developers try to change the same file at the same time, without some method of managing access, the developers may end up overwriting each others work. Centralized revision control systems solve this problem either by file locking or version merging.
  2. The other type is a Distributed Revision Control System or Decentralized Version Control System (DVCS): It keeps track of software revisions and allows developers to work on a given project without necessarily being connected to a common network. The nice thing about it is that there is no central server. There are 3 major players in the Distributed Revision Control System: Git, Mercurial and Bazaar.

Here are the 4 top open-source Version Control Systems that you can depend on. All of them are either totally free or free with restrictions.

1. Git

Git is a free and open source distributed version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency.

GitHub – Online :: Free for Open Source Projects

Github is a Web based hosting service for projects that use the Git revision control system. This is the best way to collaborate with others online, fork, send pull requests and manage all your public and private git repositories. The service is Free for open source, and paid for other private repositories.

GitHub – Windows Client

GitHub for Windows: Develop on Windows, share on GitHub. GitHub for Windows is a 100% native application that will run on Windows XP, Vista, 7 and even the pre-release Windows 8. It is “The easiest way to use Git on Windows. Period.” GitHub for Windows is a free download and although it is not required, it works best with a GitHub.com account.

GitHub – Mac Client

Github for Mac: Develop on Mac, share on GitHub. Client for Git on Mac computers. The easiest way to share your code with GitHub from a mac computer. GitHub for Mac is a free download and free to use.

2. Mercurial

Mercurial: Work easier. Work faster. Mercurial is a free, Distributed Source Control management tool. It efficiently handles projects of any size and offers an easy interface. It is fast and powerful and easy to learn. Mercurial is a cross-platform, distributed revision control tool for software developers. It is mainly implemented using the Python programming language.

Bitbucket – Online :: 5 users Free Plan

Bitbucket is the hosting Website for Git and Mercurial. It offers Free Unlimited DVCS Code Hosting. You can store all of your Git and Mercurial source code in one place with unlimited private repositories. Includes issue tracking, wiki, and pull requests.

TortoiseHg – Windows Client

TortoiseHg is a Windows shell extension and a series of applications for the Mercurial DVCS similar to the Tortoise clients for Subversion and CVS. It also includes a Gnome/Nautilus extension and a CLI wrapper application so the TortoiseHg tools can be used on non-Windows platforms.

3. Bazaar

Bazaar is another Distributed Version Control System, like Mercurial and Git. Bazaar helps you track project history over time and to collaborate easily with others. Whether you are a single developer or a community of developers scattered across the world, Bazaar scales and adapts to meet your needs.

Launchpad – Online :: Free for Open Source Projects

Launchpad is the hosting Website for Bazaar. It is a Free open source project hosting. Repository based on the Bazaar VCS. Launchpad can host your project source code using the Bazaar version control system. Launchpad also import over 2000 CVS, SVN, Git and Mercurial projects, so you can use Bazaar with those too.

4. Subversion

In Centralized systems, there is a central server, where you check in and check out from. You must have a connection to the server to do source control operations. Subversion uses the centralized Revision Control mode.

Apache Subversion is an open source version control system with the widest adoption. Many open-source projects use Subversion as a repository such as SourceForge and many others. Google Code uses Subversion exclusively to distribute code. Apache Subversion is a full-featured version control system originally designed to be a better CVS. Subversion has since expanded beyond its original goal of replacing CVS, but its basic model, design, and interface remain heavily influenced by that goal. Subversion should still feel very familiar to CVS users.

TortoiseSVN – Windows Client

TortoiseSVN: A Subversion client, implemented as a windows shell extension. TortoiseSVN is easy to use version control software for Windows. TortoiseSVN is a great file browser for viewing, editing and modifying your Subversion code base. TortoiseSVN is free to use.

Top 10 Free Antivirus Software For Windows

General

Top 10 Free Antivirus Software For Windows

Antivirus software provides an essential layer of protection from a range of viruses, trojans, worms, spywares, adwares, dialers, keyloggers and rootkit infections. Most current Antivirus programs have a reasonably good detection rates of all forms of malware.

When your computer connects to the Internet, it is exposed to viruses and other malicious software. Even a computer that never connects to the Internet can be compromised through an infected USB drive. Given the quality of free Antivirus software available, there is no excuse for not installing one. The question is, which is the best free Antivirus program? This post will help you decide on an Antivirus software that offers quality protection without the cost.

If you are looking to replace your costly Antivirus software, for a free alternative, then look no further. In this article, I list and review the Best 10 Free Antivirus Software for Windows that don´t cost you anything. Having a good Antivirus software is a must.

Best Protection! Use Common Sense

The best security and peace of mind is to use common sense. For instance, when you are online: avoid suspicious Websites. Never open spam Email attachments, don´t even open a spam Email. Watch your Online downloads. Only download movies, audio, and other files from trusted Websites. Stay away from illegal versions of Computer programs, etc.

Stay vigilant at all times. If you follow these simple rules along with one of the Antivirus programs listed below you will be a step ahead in this never-ending game of cat-and-mouse.

Criteria

I want to emphasize that all the Antivirus Software listed below are:

  1. Either totally Free: like WinClam which is Open Source and Microsoft Security Essentials which can only be installed on computers that run genuine Windows.
  2. And the rest of Antivirus programs offer a Freemium based services.
  3. In active development: are being continuously updated and maintained. If an Antivirus Software is not continuously maintained and updated, you should run and not just walk away from it.
  4. Are in my opinion, the BEST.

There are many Antivirus Programs available nowadays. After extensive research, testing and reviews, here are the 10 Top Antivirus Programs that you can depend on. All links are External. Good Luck!

1. PC Tools Free AntiVirus

  1. PC Tools AntiVirus provides a basic antivirus and anti-spyware protection against known viruses and malware. With PC Tools AntiVirus Free, you are protected against basic cyber threats attempting to gain access to your PC. Don´t risk going online without protection. Dangers include virus infections or getting your identity stolen.
  2. PC Tools AntiVirus Main Features:
    1. IntelliGuard protection against computer viruses and related malware threats.
    2. Smart Updates to keep virus definitions and other feature enhancements up to date.
    3. Customizable Scan Settings.
    4. Ability to quarantine and restore items that have been detected.
    5. Email Guard to protect your computer from viruses and spyware being sent over emails.
    6. Enhanced architecture providing enhanced infection removal capabilities for limited user accounts.
  3. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

2. Avast! Free Antivirus

  1. Avast! Free Antivirus claim to be “The world´s most popular Antivirus software” with almost 195 million registrations. Avast! Free Antivirus often outperforms the competitors´ paid-for products and is the minimum protection anyone should have against viruses and spyware. Avast! Free Antivirus is only for personal and non-commercial use. Avast! will not run properly if you have other antivirus software on your PC.
  2. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows XP SP2+ 32-bit, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows7.

3. AVG Free Antivirus

  1. AVG Free Antivirus offers high quality basic protection for PCs. AVG offers antivirus protection with automatic updates to protect you from continually evolving threats.
  2. Operating Systems: Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

4. Ad-Aware Free Antivirus

  1. Ad-Aware Free Antivirus, downloaded over 400 million times and, according to its maker, offers real-time protection against viruses, trojans, spyware, rootkits, hijackers, keyloggers, aggressive advertising and more! Ad-Aware is free for home users only.
    Ad-Aware Free is a complete malware solution to protect your system from spyware and viruses, as well as other online security threats. There is always a chance of compatibility issues when running in conjunction with other security software. It is not recommended that you run more than one antivirus product on a computer at the same time.
  2. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (32-bit), Windows 2000 Pro.

5. Avira Free Antivirus

  1. Millions of users trust Avira Free Antivirus for basic protection. It is another high quality free antivirus with outstanding detection rates of malware. Avira Free antivirus eliminates many forms of malware, including worms, rootkits and costly dialers.
    The only reservation I have is that Avira has a rather intrusive advertisement on every update. Avira Free Antivirus can only be used for personal and non-commercial use.
  2. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

6. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

  1. The Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free utilizes a powerful technology to detect and remove all traces of malware including worms, trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware and more. Malware, is short for malicious software. Malwarebytes´ Anti-Malware (MBAM) is available in a free version, which scans for and removes malware when started manually.MBAM doesn´t target the viruses, per se, but it targets the trojans and the modifications trojans make to your computer. Thus MBAM complements the Antivirus software on your computer. MBAM is intended to find malware that other anti-virus and anti-spyware programs generally miss.
  2. When Do I need Malwarebytes? Installing Malwarebytes does not make your Antivirus software ineffective. Your Antivirus software is your first layer of protection. Malwarebytes is your second layer and it helps catch malwares that may be missed by your Antivirus software. For the best protection you need to have both an Antivirus program and an Anti-malware program (such as Malwarebytes).
  3. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

7. Immunet Free Antivirus

  1. Immunet Free Antivirus is a cloud-based, community-driven antivirus application, using the ClamAV engine. The Immunet Antivirus software is complementary with existing antivirus software and is ideal for consumers who want fast protection that doesn´t slow down their PC.
    The size of the application is very small, compared to other Antivirus software. It is fast, free, and offers up-to-date protection against thousands of new threats daily. Virus signature files are stored in the cloud, not on individual computers, so no update downloads are required. Once a virus is detected and blocked for one user, all Immunet users will receive the same protection, almost instantly.
  2. Immunet FREE Antivirus Main Features:
    1. Fast Companion Antivirus with Basic Online Protection. Companion means that Immunet is compatible with existing Antivirus solutions.
    2. Immunet adds an extra, lightweight layer of protection, compatible with existing Antivirus software.
    3. NO virus updates required: Real-time, Cloud-based Detection from the Immunet Cloud against viruses, spyware, bots, worms, trojans, and Keystroke Logging without downloading any virus signature files.
    4. Small Footprint. Low disk and memory use. It will NOT slow down your PC.
    5. Intelligent Scans: Fast, configurable smart scans.
  3. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

8. ClamWin Free Antivirus

  1. ClamWin Free Antivirus is an Open Source based on the ClamAV engine and used by more than 600,000 users worldwide on a daily basis. You may download and use it absolutely free of charge. ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware.
  2. ClamWin Free Antivirus Main Features:
    1. High detection rates for viruses and spyware.
    2. Scanning Scheduler.
    3. Automatic downloads of regularly updated Virus Database.
    4. Standalone virus scanner and right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer.
  3. Operating Systems: Compatible with Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98 and Windows Server 2008 and 2003.

9. Panda Cloud Antivirus Free

  1. Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on Collective Intelligence, a system for detecting and disinfecting viruses and other threats that feeds off the knowledge shared by millions of users. It offers Real-time protection against all types of viruses.
  2. Panda Cloud Antivirus Main Features:
    1. Light: Only works where necessary, you won´t even notice it.
    2. Easy: Panda Cloud Antivirus will make the best decisions for you to keep your PC protected.
    3. Secure: Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on Collective Intelligence, a system that continuously collects and analyzes viruses and other threats gathered from the community of millions of Panda users around the world.
    4. Free: No tricks! Panda Cloud Antivirus has a free version that protects you against viruses and malicious Websites.
  3. Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (32-bit) with Service Pack 2 or newer.

10. Microsoft Security Essentials

  1. Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home or small business and guards against viruses, spyware, and other evil software. Microsoft Security Essentials is free and is designed to be simple to install and easy to use. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background.
    There are a host of nasty intruders on the Internet including viruses, trojans, worms and spyware. Microsoft Security Essentials offers protection against these intruders without getting in your way.
  2. Why get Microsoft Security Essentials?
    Here are some ways Microsoft Security Essentials helps keep your PC safe without getting in your way:
    1. Real-time protection.
    2. System scanning and cleaning.
    3. Windows Firewall integration.
    4. Dynamic signature service.
    5. Rootkit protection.
    6. Protection against real threats, not good software.
    7. Network inspection system.
  3. Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

Your Turn to Talk

In this post, I listed and reviewed the Best 10 Free Antivirus Software for Windows, and I am confident that at least one will meet your needs.

There are a lot of free Antivirus software out there, but what you choose is mostly a matter of preference. I, myself, use Avira´s Antivirus and Immunet on my laptop. What about you? Which free Antivirus do you use?